Development and Characterization of 3D-Printed PLA/Exfoliated Graphite Composites for Enhanced Electrochemical Performance in Energy Storage Applications

• Published in: Polymers Vol. 16; no. 22; p. 3131
• Main Authors: dos Santos, Ananias Lima, de Souza, Francisco Cezar Ramos, Martins da Costa, João Carlos, Gonçalves, Daniel Araújo, Passos, Raimundo Ribeiro, Pocrifka, Leandro Aparecido
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 09-11-2024
• Subjects: 3-D printers; Capacitance; Carbon black; Composite materials; Diffusion barriers; Electrochemical analysis; Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; Electrodes; Electrolytes; Energy storage; Fourier transforms; Graphite; Infrared analysis; Infrared spectroscopy; Polylactic acid; Potassium; Scanning electron microscopy; Sensors; Single screw extruders; Spectroscopic analysis; Spectrum analysis; Thermal cycling; Thermodynamic properties; Thermogravimetric analysis; Three dimensional composites; Three dimensional printing; Voltammetry; United States > US; Japan
• ISSN: 2073-4360; 2073-4360
• DOI: 10.3390/polym16223131

This research introduces a new way to create a composite material (PLA/EG) for 3D printing. It combines polylactic acid (PLA) with exfoliated graphite (EG) using a physical mixing method, followed by direct mixing in a single-screw extruder. Structural and vibrational analyses using X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the PLA/EG’s formation (composite). The analysis also suggests physical adsorption as the primary interaction between the two materials. The exfoliated graphite acts as a barrier (thermal behavior), reducing heat transfer via TG. Electrochemical measurements reveal redox activity (cyclic voltammetry) with a specific capacitance of ~ 6 F g−1, low solution resistance, and negligible charge transfer resistance, indicating ion movement through a Warburg diffusion process. Additionally, in terms of complex behavior (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy), the PLA/EG’s actual capacitance C’(ω) displayed a value greater than 1000 μF cm−2, highlighting the composite’s effectiveness in storing charge. These results demonstrate that PLA/EG composites hold significant promise as electrodes in electronic devices. The methodology used in this study not only provides a practical way to create functional composites but also opens doors for new applications in electronics and energy storage.